WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS
Most
solid waste is either sent to landfills (dumped) or
to incinerators (burned). Ocean dumping has also been
a popular way for coastal communities to dispose of their
solid wastes. In this method, large barges carry waste out
to sea and dump it into the ocean. That practice is now banned
in the United States due to pollution problems it created.
Most municipal and non-municipal waste (about 60%) is sent
to landfills. Landfills are popular because they are relatively
easy to operate and can handle of lot of waste material. There
are two types of landfills: sanitary landfills and secure
landfills.
In
a sanitary landfill solid wastes are spread out and
compacted in a hole, canyon area or a giant mound. Modern
sanitary landfills are lined with layers of clay, sand and
plastic. Each day after garbage is dumped in the landfill,
it is covered with clay or plastic to prevent redistribution
by animals or the wind.
|